About US

Within a framework of evidence-based practice, the DeafBlind Interpreting National Training and Resource Center (DBI) aims to enhance communication access for persons who are DeafBlind by increasing the number of interpreters able to effectively interpret utilizing tactile communication and other strategies.

Our Vision

DBI envisions a world that celebrates the life and culture of DeafBlind persons, a world where DeafBlind people have influence and control over their destiny and dreams.

Our Mission

The mission of DBI is to honor the diversity and range of communication preferences of DeafBlind individuals, or those who have a combination of vision and hearing loss, by increasing the range and number of culturally-competent and qualified interpreters and mentors.

Our Core Values

Among many others, DBI holds these core values as it conducts its work.

Autonomy: We are committed to supporting the autonomy of DeafBlind individuals and those with a combination of vision and hearing loss.

Integrity: We value the integrity of our relationship with the DeafBlind community through the life of the grant and beyond.

Collaboration: We recognize the key to creating change is engaging in active collaboration with our mentors, community partners, stakeholders and service providers.

Humanity: We work to honor our collective humanity and respect the DeafBlind’s community’s culture.

Results: We believe in the strength of evidence-based practices and that without evaluation, effectiveness and impact cannot be measured or assumed.

Trust: We believe that that DeafBlind Community’s language is unique and are honored to be entrusted by the DeafBlind community and RSA to carry out this important work and take this responsibility very seriously.

Stewardship: We recognize the fiscal and programmatic responsibility given us by our funders and are committed to ethical and responsible practices in all we do.

DBI envisions a world that celebrates the life and culture of DeafBlind persons, a world where DeafBlind people have influence and control over their destiny and dreams.

Federal Disclaimer: The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal government.

Header image credit: "Deaf-Blind Camp of Maryland Visits NASA Goddard" by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, used under CC BY / Color altered from originalRSA Grant H160D160005. The DeafBlind Interpreting National Training & Resource Center grant at Western Oregon University is funded from 2017 to 2021 by the U.S. Department of Education RSA CFDA #84.160D, Training of Interpreters for Individuals Who Are Deaf and Individuals Who Are DeafBlind.